Holiday/Christmas Tree, Round 2

Gov. Chafee's office backtracks from an announcement Monday that there would be no official tree-lighting ceremony this year.

There will be a tree-lighting ceremony this year after all. Gov. Lincoln Chafee's top press aide said Tuesday she spoke in error Monday when she said there would be no tree lighting ceremony.  "There will be an official tree lighting ceremony at the State House with the Governor in attendance," said Christine Hunsinger in an email statement. No date has been set. Now, the question is, will protesters turn up again as they did last year, when Gov. Lincoln Chafee referred to the large evergreen in the middle of the State House rotonda as a holiday tree instead of a Christmas tree. The tree was erected Monday. Last December, Chafee was lambasted by GOP lawmakers, some talk show hosts, and the Roman Catholic Bishop Tobin for his decision to …

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The Shill

12:56 am on Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Let’s face it, there is nothing more important than a tree if you happen to be a pinecone, a squirrel or a bird looking for a safe perch. But let’s not let those who feast on controversy distort the reality of Christmas. For those of you who are worried that our cultural celebration is under attack, don’t worry. It is not. You see Jesus was not born in a tree house nor was there a tree in his …   more ›

Bob Houghtaling

Separation Of Church And Hate

The recent debates over Christmas trees and prayer banners haven't always brought out our best.

Religion sure has been a hot topic of late. Christmas trees, banners and Tebow have all received much attention. On top of this, concern about whether or not President Obama is a Muslim and Mitt Romney’s participation in the Mormon church has been fodder for discussion (at times vitriolic). While America prides itself on the separation of Church and State the truth is not always clear. Our currency contains the phrase, “In God We Trust.” In our courtrooms we’ve sworn on Bibles along with uttering the words “So Help Me God.” Confusing?  Probably so. While we can certainly debate trees, banners and the separation of Church and State, maybe we might also consider an equally fundamental precept. I’m talking about the separation of church and …

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